Can Wearing Copper Improve Your Health or Is It a Hoax?

by
MICHELLE SPENCER Last Updated: Aug 14, 2017

Michelle Spencer

Michelle Spencer is a writer, music addict, and fitness devotee. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, she moved to L.A. in 2007 and has tried nearly every type of Crunch workout class – from Pound™ and 2FLY to Jillian Michaels’ Bodyshred and Diesel. (Running, weights, yoga, and spin are her staples.) She has also written for Thrillist, Brobible/Guyism, and Dame.

Copper is one controversial metal. According to various claims, wearing it can provide a wealth of benefits — including easing arthritic soreness by wearing copper jewelry, preventing athlete’s foot with copper-infused clothing, and much more.

Several scientific studies have been done on the health effects of copper, but the results were inconsistent. Regardless of conflicting research and varying opinions, many people continue to sing copper’s praises. (Hey, if it works, keep doing it.)

At the very least, your body needs copper. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, copper is an essential nutrient for all living things. And in humans, copper is necessary for the healthy development of connective tissue, nerve coverings and bone.

If you want to see what copper can do for you, here are four potential health uses for it along with relevant gear.

Research Shows Copper Kills Microorganisms

A recent trial conducted by Dr. Tom Elliott, deputy medical director and consultant microbiologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, found that 90 to 95 percent of microorganisms died when they came in contact with items made of copper — which can include infectious organisms like bacteria and fungi.

To test copper’s ability to kill the microorganisms that cause athlete’s foot, you can try copper-infused socks.

Copper May Reduce Wrinkles

Dartmouth’s Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program states that copper is a component of more than 30 enzymes in the human body, including some involved in collagen synthesis. Unfortunately, as you age your body doesn’t produce as much collagen.

Final Words on Copper

Should you give this magical metal a shot? Even though the jury is still out, many people swear by it. So, unless you have an allergy to copper, there’s no harm in trying it — especially since it’s natural and has no known side effects.

What Do YOU Think?

Have you used copper-infused products in the past? If so, which ones? Did they improve your health in any way? Are you inspired to try any of the products in this article? Let us know in the comments below!